Commissions

1 - fyi

For commissions (as well as my general painting practice):

• I work entirely from photographs.

• I work entirely in oil paint.

• I prefer to work on wood panel, especially for commissions, as it suits how I handle paint. Works on paper are also an excellent alternative and more affordable. I can also work on canvas, but panel or paper will be more fun…
  
  

2 - figuring the painting out

I recommend having a collection of photographs that we can look at together and chat through to get an idea of what’s important to you about your commission. We’ll establish a size for the painting, working out cropping and any other elements, and essentially agree upon what the painting will look like.

3 - pricing

We’ll also work out pricing before starting. I believe that people need art in their lives, and am excited to share my work with them. That is to say: we’ll work together to find something affordable for you and valuing of my time. I am open to payment plans over a few months if that helps.

Please bear in mind that packaging, shipping, and framing are not part of the price of the painting, but we will also discuss these. I am very capable with art packing, but bear in mind that international shipping of works on panel/canvas can be very expensive. Within the United Kingdom, Royal Mail is fairly reasonable. Flat works on paper ship the easiest.

4 - starting the painting

To ensure that we’re all in it together, I ask for 25% up front before beginning the painting. Once I have that, I order supplies and start painting. I’m never really sure how long a painting will take, but we can chat about any deadlines you might have. (Just a note that I work on commissions around my own painting practice as well as any other consulting work I may have.) I generally update you with cryptic photographs as the painting goes along… I start with an underpainting, a monochromatic initial layer that will look insane. Do not fear.

4 - finishing the painting

Oil paintings usually take at least 3 days (if not a couple of weeks) to dry. Then I usually varnish them once dry to add a protective layer on top, needing a day or so more.

5 - collecting/shipping

Once the painting is done — and dry — you are responsible for collecting your painting.

If you need it shipped, you’ll be responsible for any shipping costs. I spent four years in a job shipping artwork, so am happy to package and to ship your painting. It will be safe! However, bear in mind that international shipping (while not difficult) is very expensive for works on panel/canvas. Flat works on paper ship the easiest.